It was another tough week on the netball court for the Redlegs, halving its six-match schedule with Warragul at Western Park last Saturday in round four of the Gippsland League, with the highlight of the day being the continued outstanding efforts by the junior teams.
In the “A” grade contest the Redlegs took the fight right up to the unbeaten
Gulls early, with some outstanding early defensive pressure making Warragul work hard to get the ball forward.
Down by three at quarter time, Bairnsdale found the going tough against a quality team in the second quarter, the rampant Gulls relentless scoring 23 goals to just seven setting up a winning lead in a frantic stanza.
Not to be denied, the Redlegs dug deep in the third team, playing a similar brand to the first term, the sides looking evenly matched and trading hoops.
Warragul again asserted its authority in the final term, running out 33-goal winners.
Allison Dwyer and Paris Dunkley led the way for Bairnsdale, while Maddison Fullgrabe continues to impress. The goals were shared between Anna Mooney (20) and Sally Dwyer (21).
Bairnsdale won the first quarter of its “B” grade match as it chased its first win for the season, but the Gulls dominated the remaining three stanzas, turning a one-goal quarter time deficit into a huge 30-goal victory.
Ruby Fullgrabe, Olivia Rees and Indira Allen were all serviceable for the Redlegs, with Remy Clarke slotting 18 goals.
A great result for Bairnsdale in “C” grade, convincing 36-goal victors over Warragul, moving up to fourth place on the ladder.
The victory was achieved off the back of accurate shooting and great defensive pressure all over the court.
The ruthless Redlegs denied the Gulls the chance way too often and Bairnsdale capitalised and maximised the turnover opportunities.
Dani Johnson and Vicky Waddell were standouts for the Redlegs, well supported by Annora Virgo (30).
Crafty veteran Renee Scicluna (16) and Tiana Andrews both impressed with their accurate shooting.
The second-ranked Bairnsdale under 17s maintained their faultless season with an emphatic 40-goal victory over a Warragul side which has won twice already this season.
The young Redlegs were relentless in the first term, opening up an 11-goal buffer and rather than rest on their laurels they pushed forward making a
statement to the other premiership contenders.
Rahni O’Connor, Maizy Duck and Eve Sabell (30) led the team which dominated all aspects of play and every position. Ava Langley (17) and Mia Ballinger (12) also impressed under the ring.
The under 15 match started as an even contest, before the Gulls took the ascendancy late in the second quarter, opening up an eight-goal advantage by half time.
To their credit the Redlegs came back strongly in third term, narrowing the margin to just three goals, with the game either sides for the taking.
But it was Warragul who finished strongest, just a little too steady on the day, reaffirming the early advantage to win by eight goals.
Lilly Fullgrabe (14), Macy Brodribb (10) and Roxie Jackson were all prominent in each quarter for the Redlegs.
The win of the day was from the youngest Redlegs who were sensational winners by 48 goals.
The win sees Bairnsdale well-placed in fourth place on the ladder.
Both teams were slow starters but the Bairnsdale found their groove in the second quarter and from there they didn’t look back, totally dominating the game.
Halle Davis (21) was
accurate under the ring, while Zoe Nuttal and Violet Cloak were strong in defence, with consistent and unrelenting pressure.
Other scoring contributions came from Piper Crawley (10) and Sharni Kelly (15).
Bairnsdale will host Maffra this week at the Bairnsdale City Oval.
